Al Mytty

posted on Jan 7, 2014

I grew up as a Lutheran in Nebraska. My grandparents came from Sweden and Finland and the Scandinavian roots are strong. My father died when I was three and my mother was left to raise four boys (ages 9, 7, 3 and 2). We didn’t have much in our household, but thanks to Social Security and Veteran’s Administration support, we had shelter, food and clothing, and we were able to go to college. Following a serious diving accident to my younger brother, our community in Nebraska raised funds to help with his medical bills and rehabilitation needs.

So, I’ve grown up knowing that we need one another and that we have a call from Christ to help others. Matthew 25:40 states, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” And Micah 6:8 tells us, “This is what the Lord asks of you, only this: to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.” Those seemingly simple verses are tremendous challenges and I try, but often fail, to live up to them.

As a Catholic, I have been blessed to be involved in many ministries . . . Cursillo, Marriage Encounter, CRHP, Kairos, Pax Christi, St. Vincent de Paul, Beggars for the Poor, SCC, and so on. Through them, I have experienced the highs of feeling that God is right next to me. But God’s omnipresence is often something I can easily ignore and I need Scripture, prayer, the Eucharist and other graces to bring me back to God.

This Scripture Reflections ministry is humbling and an opportunity to serve and grow closer to our Lord.